The Home Remedies for Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Camiloaranzales 

The rapidly spreading inflammation and itching followed by red granule sized pimples are the symptoms of chicken pox or vericella. There are certain home remedies for checking and curing it.

After the ending of winter and beginning of summer, the chances of the occurrence of several viral diseases like chicken pox, black fever or kala azar, diarrhea increase, if proper care of the body is not taken.

The children between the age group of one to ten years become prone to become afflicted with chicken pox. The disturbance in the eating habit or routine is the main cause of the spread of the disease.

1. Chicken pox causes great itching in the body and the jai bath or oat the flour bath is the best remedy to get relief from it. Boil 2 cups of oat flour in 2 liter of water for 15-20 minutes and put the water in a tub. Tie the boiled and cooked flour in a piece of cloth and rub it on the body in the bathing tub. It will alleviate the itching sensation.

2. Put half a cup of brown vinegar in water and bath in it to get rid of itching due to chicken pox.

3. The intake of lemon, vegetable and fruit juices also gives relief in chicken pox.

4. Put the leaves of neem or margosa in warm water and take bath in it for relief in chicken pox.

5. For speedy recovery of the pimples of chicken pox, take half a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and apply on the whole body with a cotton swab and let it dry.

6. Add half a cup of apple vinegar in the bathing water to get relief in chicken pox.

7. Apply the oil containing vitamin E on the body to soften the pimples and to get relief in chicken pox.

8. Carrot is very beneficial in chicken pox. The intake of boiled carrots with coriander seeds helps in the weakness caused by chicken pox.the juice of carrot and green coriander is also beneficial.

How to Clean the Ears and Home Remedies for Ear Infections

 

                                                                   Ear Cleaning

                    Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by  Roland Balik

Some people have the habit of continuously cleaning the ears with a cotton swab. They are always found cleaning the dirt or wax from ears. This habit could cause several bad effects. It damages the ear drum and there is a possibility of several other possible damages to ears. The people use several unseen things to clean the ears. It should be remembered that the dirt and wax in the ears should not be cleaned by anything available. It is dangerous and may cause permanent hearing loss.

What is a Cotton Swab?

 The cells present in ear canal form caruman which in common language is called ear wax. Instead of taking the help of a doctor the people use cotton swabs to remove this wax from the ear. But it is harmful to remove the wax by cotton swabs.

Damage to ear Drums

The cotton present in the cotton swab easily reaches the ear drum. The ear drum is very sensitive and may easily get damaged by little pressure exerted by the cotton swab.

What is the Option?

Now the question arises that what is the best option to clean the ears or is it necessary or not.

The outer portion of the ear could be cleaned some time with the help of a little soap, water and towel.

The cotton swab may cause the permanent hearing loss.

Generally it is not necessary to clean the ear canal. It is during the bathing and shower that enough water enters the ears thereby loosening the ear wax.

The people having excess amount of wax in ears need medical care of a physician.

A little diluted peroxide is injected into the ears and the wax easily comes out. This process is painless and is a very effective method to remove ear wax. If the problem of wax persists, then the patient can perform the above method at home by taking direction of the physician.

It is better to consult the physician, if there is any accumulation of wax in the ears and ask him the right way to clean the ears.

Home Remedies for Ear Infection

The infection due to bacteria and virus is very common in winter. The ear infection is often caused due to bacteria and virus. The ear infect occurs when the mucus like liquid starts accumulating inside the ear. It is very painful and sometimes the hardness of ear wax also causes the ear infection which is treated by the physicians by the use of wax solvents.

The ear infection could be cured by medicines but the prolonged use of medications make the treatment ineffective.

There are some home remedies to treat the ear infections

1. Take 3-4 fruits of garlic and boil them in little water for 7-8 minutes. Grind them and add a little salt into the paste and tie the contents in a cotton cloth. Place it on the infected ear to get the relief.

2. Boil 2-3 fruits of garlic in sesame oil till they become black. Filter the extract and put 2-3 drops of oil in sore ear.

3. Take the juice of basil leaves and put 3-4 drops of it in the ear. As an alternative the basil leaves could be boiled in coconut oil too.

4. Fine chop the onion and cook it in a microwave for few minutes. Extract the juice of these onions and put few drops of it in the ear.

5. Mildly heat the olive oil or mustard oil and put few drops of it in the ear.

6. Mix the lemon juice in ginger juice and put 3-4 drops of it in the ear. 

The Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seed cakes
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Prince Roy

Every grain of both black and white sesame seeds or til are full of health giving contents. It contains all the nutritious and healthy elements, except vitamin A and vitamin C. the black til is considered to be more effective than white or red ones.

They contain vitamin B, fatty acids, iron zinc, protein, copper, magnesium and calcium in sufficient amounts.

About 100 gram of sesame seeds contains 100 mg of calcium which is very helpful for the strength of bones. They give energy and warmth in winter.

It takes time to digest the sesame seeds and that is why the elderly people dissuade their use at night.

It could be baked or taken with brown sugar or Indian jiggery by making the balls of it.It could be mixed in salads and other recipies.

Besides boosting the memory, it improves the digestion.

The pregnant women and those allergic to sesame seeds should avoid the use of it.

It helps in anemia when the water soaked sesame seeds are fried a little and mixed in blender with water or milk and taken with brown sugar or Indian jiggery.

Chew 15-20 gm of sesame seeds in the morning and drink water afterwards to strengthen the bones and to get the shiny hair.

In constipation mix a tablespoon of sesame seeds in butter oil and take 2-3 times a day. 

The sesame seeds oil

 

Sesame Seeds Oil
Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Itineranttrader

The contents of the oil of sesame seeds easily get into the skin. The massage of sesame seeds oil strengthens the muscles and bones.

Massage the oil of sesame seeds on teeth and gums for extra shine and strength.

A little black salt and the sesame seeds oil gives relief in mouth ulcers.

Home Remedies for Cold and Flu

The home remedies are much better to cure a cold and flu. The health care in winter could be achieved by the following remedies.

1. Take ginger tea in winter. It gives relief from cold and cough and boosts the sluggish digestive system. It adds to the taste of food too.

2. Take lemon juice with honey in Luke warm water. It provides the required vitamin C which removes the problem of a cough.

3. Take garlic with soup and foods as it has antiseptic properties.

4. The basil is full of antiviral and antioxidant properties and boosts the immune system. The black pepper gives relief in swelling and inflammation. Take black pepper with basil or Ocimum in equal proportions and prepare the small pills by meshing the two. Take 2-3 pills a day.

The antibiotics are not the best for cold or flu.
Wikimedia Commons by the US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

5. Mix 5-gram ginger juice with the juice of Indian gooseberries. Add a tablespoon of honey in it and drink with water. It will boost the immune system and act as a medicine.

6. Take a tablespoon juice of betel leaf. Drink it half an hour after the meals twice a day by adding an equal amount of honey in it. Follow this remedy for 3-4 days to stop a cough.

7. In case of repeated coughing at night, eat the small pieces of ginger with honey.

8. Chewing small pieces of onion with brown sugar or Indian Jagger is the best remedy for a cough. 

9. The intake of honey with ginger twice a day helps in cold and cough.

10. The intake of turmeric with warm milk gives relief in a cough and cold. 

11. Boil a dry date in milk or cows butter oil with cardamom and a pinch of camphor. The intake of this milk kills the virus of cold.  

Urinary Incontinence and its Treatment

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Ahaliha mk

The problem of Urinary Incontinence or irregular outflow of urine is more prevalent in women than men. This is also known as stress incontinence in women. This problem is curable but generally the women conceal it due to shame or stigma or social taboos or other reasons and the disease becomes serious. 

Up to 90% of the problem gets cured by proper workout and exercises. The public awareness is necessary for the disease because generally the treatment begins at later stage. 

In urinary incontinence the urine comes out even by sneezing, laughing or coughing. The patient afflicted with the problem feels the urge to urinate again and again and there is a problem to control the urine. This problem is prevalent in about 35% of the people above 60. 

This problem is curable but the mental state of the patient plays an important role in the treatment. The women having the problem visit the gynecologist or nephrenologist, but it is not their domain or subject. The problem is related to mind. 

The urinary incontinence occurs when the mind and sacral nerves do not have proper contact. It is treated by inter-stem modulation therapy in which the muscles related to controlling the urine, the sacral nerves and urine bladder are controlled. In inter-stem therapy the sacral nerves are controlled with the help of neuro stimulator. In this way the coordination between mind and nerves is achieved and the problem is resolved. This therapy is done on the patients when the medicine, yoga, exercises and change in diet becomes ineffective. 

How to remove open pores and acne marks from face

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Alvesgaspar

The use of different home remedies for different skin problems helps in natural health and glow of skin. The open pores are very common in oily skin, because the oil glands in such skin are found to be very active and the improper care of skin increases the problem.

Rubbing the tomato pulp on skin reduces the open pores. To prepare tomato face pack, take a tablespoon each of sandal wood powder and calamine powder and mix it with tomato pulp. Apply the paste on the face and rinse off after drying. The daily application of this pack is very effective.

The appearance of acne on face occurs due to several reasons like oily skin, constipation, dandruff, hormone imbalance etc. However the acne are treated according to these problems. In order to dry the acne at home, prepare a paste of few dry and ground leaves of neem or Azadirachta indica or Indian Lilac with half a tablespoon of multani mitti or fullers earth and add few drops of rose water to it. Regularly apply the paste on face to dry the granules of acne. 

The ugly acne marks and pits are caused by peeling off the pimples. The pits are also caused when sometimes the pimples are found to be deeply embedded in the skin. These deep pits could be removed by the application of the paste of half a tablespoon each of barley flour and gram flour with a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of lemon and rose water. Rub the paste on face for a minute or so and then rinse off with cold water.  

Dry Eye Syndrome and Eye Allergies in Winter

You might be having the dry eye syndrome in winter if the inflammation or irritation occurs in eyes or the things appear hazy or there is any vision problem.

Close Up of the Eyes
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Hamed Saber

These problems spread very fast in winter and should not be taken lightly.

We cover our entire body to protect it against the biting cold but the eyes remain exposed to the snowy winds and are subjected to maximum stress.

The outer surfaces of the eyes remain covered with a thin layer of liquid which is very important for the health of the eyes. The cold winds of winter evaporate this liquid film and the problem on dry eye occurs. Due to this situation the power of vision gets partly affected with chronic pain in the eyes.

The dry eye syndrome occurs due to dry cold winds outside and the dry warmth inside the house. The deficiency of moisture in the eyes is very damaging. This problem is very common among the people above 50 and the aged people become seriously affected by dry eye syndrome.

The dry eye syndrome also occurs due to prolonged use of computer. It is better to close the eyes for 1-2 minutes after an hour, while working on computer. Use the eye drops twice or thrice a day. It is better to cover the eyes with a piece of cloth for few minutes after taking a little break from computer and sip some liquid which may be juice or soup.

The eyes are the sensitive part of our body and a little care reduces several risks which may otherwise aggravate into serious problems. It is advisable to get the eyes tested from time. 

Eye Allergies in Winter

The effects of cold and winter are not confined to the body only, but it affects the eyes too. The problem of allergies in the eyes is very common. Conjunctiva is the very soft transparent outer skin of the eyes which acts as a transparent curtain between our inner eyes and the outer world. The allergies affect this outer layer of the eyes which becomes red and inflammation or irritation occurs in them. The water starts coming from the eyes.

At present the air pollution is drastically increasing and the dust and other foreign particles present in the air enter the eyes. It is better to keep the doors and windows shut. Remove the carpets from the room as the dust particles gets trapped in them. Keep the blankets and bed-sheets clean. 

Use the eye drops on the advice of doctor. Avoid the smoke pollution if allergic to it. Do not touch the eyes with hands and fingers. Never share the towels, handkerchiefs and eye cosmetics with others. 

The Problem of Dry Eyes

The tears nourish the eyes and keep them moist. The situation of dry eyes appears when the tears do not fall from the eyes. The symptoms of dry eyes are inflamma tio nor itching in the eyes, rough or dry feeling in the eyes and the appearance of few teas dripping up to the cheeks.

The eyes become tired by the end of the day. The eyes burn in smoke and the wax secretes in thm due to wind and dirt.

The cornia may get injured or serious infetions may appear or an ulcer may be formed in the eyes, if the problem of dry eyes is left untreated. 

Reasons of Dry Eyes

There are certain habits which cause the problem of dry eyes. During continuous reading or watching of television or working on computer, the eyelids are not closed or the wink is not taken. In such a no wink situation, the eyes become dry as the liquid in the eyes fails to spread throughout the outer eyeball to provide moisture to the eyes.

Other reasons of dry eyes are the use of contat lens and the laser surgery in which the nerves are cut off. Here too the eyes lose the rate or the power to wink.

The intake of the medicines of allergy or anti pregnancy pills also causes the problem of dry eyes.

The eyes remain dry during the period of pre menopause too, as this is the time when the hormonal changes occur in the body. The researches prove that there is a close relation between dry eyes and hormonal imbalances.

Some inflammation occurs during the infetions of eyes. In such a situation the eyes absorb all types of lubricants including the liquid present in the eyes.So save the eyes from types of infections.

Remedies

1. Special treatments are need for the problem of dry eyes. Artificial tears are the only remedy for dry eyes in pre-menopause.

2. Include the foods contining omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Save the eyes from dust, smoke and dry environment.

4. Avoid sitting before television or computer for longer durations and take breaks after each half an hour.

5. Do not read the books for several hours without taking breaks.

6. Do not rub the eyes in case of inflamma tion. Rather wash them with cold water and give them rest by keeping them closed for some time.

7. Us glasses to save the eyes from the glare of computers.

8. Wash the eyes with mild soap only and do not rub the soap on the eyes.

9. Reduce the contrast of both the television and the computer.

10. Do not sit too close to the television and watch it in presence of enough light.

Pumpkin Helps in Diabetes

Pumpkin
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Enrab

Diabetes is a complicated disease, which needs constant care and attention. It is also called a silent killer in which the blood sugar does not remain under control.

The diabetic people should take extra care about their diet and eating habits.

Avoid preserved or junk food in diabetes.

Take masoor dal or split red lentil, broccoli, salmon, chia seed, sardine in diabetes as they are very beneficial.

The intake of pumpkin is very helpful in diabetes. It could be taken in many forms and the best one is to cook in in steam. Cooking pumpkin in and iron container gives the taste of vegetable and enriches it with iron. The pods and soup could also be made from pumpkin.

It contains vitamin A and C and is a rich source of potassium.

It has sufficient amount of vitamin C which regulates diabetes by controlling the levels of insulin in the blood.

The seeds of pumpkin contain iron and have not fats. It is good for the heart too. The crunchy snacks of pumpkin are also good.

The deficiency of insulin causes diabetes which is retained by the supply of sufficient amount of anti oxidants in the body.

Pumpkin is good for various allergies and controls the problem of indigestion too.

It contains plenty of folic acid which decreases the levels of nitric acid in the body and regulates the normal functions of the body. This is the special benefit of pumpkin.

Eating pumpkin once a week and not the excess intake of it will control the disease. 

Butter Milk for Digestive Disorders

A Glass of Buttermilk

The daily intake of butter milk is a tonic for overall health. It contains vitamin B, C, A and minerals like iron, phosphorus and potassium which are the basic needs of the body.
The healthy bacteria, lactose and carbohydrates in it increase the immune system and provide vitality.
It alleviates the pains in joints as it is full of calcium.

Digestion
The regular intake of it removes all digestive problems including the felling of heaviness after meals. It permanently removes acidity, if taken with black pepper and sugar candy.
For chronic indigestion the daily intake of it with the powder of baked cumin and black pepper with equal amount of black or rock salt. It also acts as appetizer.
In case of dysentery in summer, grind and stain the overhanging fibrous coir of banyan    with it.

Constipation and Nausea
If taken with parsley, it helps in constipation. It cleans the stomach when taken with mint. In case of nausea or vomiting lick the paste of nutmeg got after rubbing it on stone with butter milk.

Weight Loss
It should be taken by those who are on dieting as it has low calories and fats. The fried buttermilk and black salt helps to reduce weight.

Hiccups
In case of hiccups take butter milk with a tablespoon of dry ginger powder

Sunstroke
To get relief in sunstroke the intake of baked cumin in buttermilk provides relief.

Wrinkles
It provides extra glow to the face. The face mask of buttermilk and flour removes wrinkles. The fresh butter or buttermilk helps to remove the bristles on heels and feet.

Hair Loss
The washing of hair twice a week stops hair loss and baldness.

Memory
The intake of curd or buttermilk in the morning and evening help to increase memory.

Stress
It alleviates stress and mental tension.

Heart
Take buttermilk with a tablespoon of the powder of tinospora cordifolia or giloay for high blood pressure.

Ointment and Medicine
It should be immediately applied on burn injury.
It alleviates the inflammation caused by insect bite when applied with little tobacco.
Before reaching for the medical advice, it should be repeatedly given in case of swallowing poison or poisonous substance.

Scabies
Grind the leaves of laburaury in buttermilk and rub on body for scabies and take a bath after half an hour.

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Miansari66
Image URL-http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Patiala_Lassi.JPG/450px-Patiala_Lassi.JPG

Hibiscus Flowers Stop Hair Falling

The proper diet and regular exercises are necessary for health, but the delicate and fragrant flowers are also helpful.  They contain several proteins, nutrients, fiber, vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron. They naturally supplement the deficiencies, increase the immune system and fight against several diseases. The hibiscus flower comes in the top of this list. 

The Hibiscus Flower
Photo Credit- Wikimedia commons by Arivumathi

The beautiful flowers of hibiscus are also known as rose mallow and Kusum. They are full of several health benefits and are used in hair oils and traditional medicines.  The white hibiscus and red hibiscus called Hibiscus rosa-sinensis belong to the family of cocoa, cotton, okra or lady finger. The prospective brides in Hawaii adorn the hair with hibiscus flower as a symbol to be courted.

This very common flower appears in different colors like white, red, yellow, pink and violet etc., but the red one is generally used in traditional medicines. The dry hibiscus powder is also available in the market. 

The hibiscus flowers contain fats, fiber, vitamin C and minerals like calcium and iron. 
It is used in various herbal medicines. It helps in diabetes, increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, throat infections and eye inflammation,  

Uses of Hibiscus
It has several medicinal uses and is very beneficial for helath.

Herbal Tea
The extract of the leaves of hibiscus has similar effects like green tea and red wine. The edible flower is used in foods and the petals are used in herbal tea. The herbal tea of the petals of hibiscus is a health tonic and helps in fever, cold, flu throat pain and cough. It reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Hair care 
The petals and leaves are used to make natural shampoo and conditioner to get soft, silky and shiny hair. Blend few fresh petals of the red hibiscus flowers in water by avoiding the stamen and green leaves and apply the paste on roots of the hair. Rinse off after drying to get a beautiful shade especially in the dark hair.
The flowers are boiled in oil along with Indian gooseberries and Shika kai or Acacia concinna to prepare the hair oil. 
The application of the paste of flowers and leaves stops hair falling and dandruff. 
The roots of the plant are also used for hair loss or hair graying. 
Boil the flowers of hibiscus in water and apply the paste on hair to stop hair loss or baldness and to get soft and silky hair. 

Skin Care
It removes pimples, boils, and abscesses from the skin. The paste of boiled petals of red hibiscus flower and a little honey removes the pimples and provide an extra glow to the face.

Memory 
The intake of a tablespoon of the powder of dry petals twice a day with a cup of sweet milk helps in memory loss and nervous system.

Mouth Ulcers
The chewing of the leaves of hibiscus flower helps in mouth ulcers.
Kidneys- The juice of hibiscus flower is taken to improve the kidney functions and increase the urine flow.

Cholesterol
The flower extract of hibiscus reduced the cholesterol levels in rats. 

Anemia
The dry powder of hibiscus flowers, if taken with milk helps in anemia. 
Arthritis- The daily intake of a hibiscus bud leaving the green part helps in the movement of joints by providing required lubrication.

Stress
The intake of hibiscus flowers alleviates stress. 

Digestion and Heart
The juice or jam of hibiscus flower improves digestion and makes the heart muscles strong and healthy.

Asthma
The flowers act as an antioxidant and are the best for respiratory disorders.

Further Reading- Home remedies for white hair to turn black without dye